Academy Through To Milk Final

Chelsea FC's U-15 Academy side is through to the Final of the 2010 Milk Cup over in Northern Ireland.

Teams from around the world, including Everton, Man U and Chelsea, compete in a week-long tournament on the North Coast area of Northern Ireland. The teams are divided into three categories: Elite, Premier, and Junior for Under-19s, Under-17s and Under-15s respectively.

Chelsea aim to enter a young team into the Junior section of the tournament in readiness for the Academy season ahead. Whilst we have the ability to enter teams at U-17 and U19 level, these players are at the stage of Reserve football and will be concentrating on other pre-season friendlies.

Chelsea were placed in Group A with 11 other teams, however only 2 group matches are played. After these games, 8 teams 'qualify' for the quarter-finals which were played on Wednesday.

The great thing about the Milk Cup is not only do the spectators get to see future stars wearing their favourite jerseys but for teams from other countries to face each other.

CFC began with a 3-0 win over South Coast Bayern, an American youth team, on Monday over in Coleraine. On Tuesday for their second game, the U-15s saw off Co.Armagh convincingly with one of the highlight displays of the week - 7-0.

Back in Coleraine on Wednesday for the quarter final, Chelsea managed a 1-0 win over Co.Tyrone to book a place in the Semi's yesterday.

"You have to remember these schoolboys only finished their school year on the July 20th, so they’ve been back training for two or three sessions before we came to the Milk Cup," Geoff Harvey, team boss, revealed.

"I think tiredness came into a bit (against Tyrone), three games in three days is a real test for them. The boys then faced Dundalk SL and destroyed the team 4-0.

The last game of the week at 4pm today sees Mexican side Cruz Azul as the last team in the way of another piece of Blue silverware. As Neil Bath, Academy Manager, said recently in an interview, Chelsea are achieving much more in Youth tournaments compared to 5 years ago. Here's hoping that we continue to be this successful.

For those interested Reece Mitchell has been one of the stand out performers. The number 9 has been scoring all tournament and will be looking for more goals this afternoon.

Numbers Boosted For Frankfurt

There will be fresh faces for our third pre-season friendly of the summer on Sunday, with our World Cup representatives now back into the groove at Cobham.

The last of our players to spend their summers in South Africa reported back for training on Monday and have quickly set about playing fitness catch-up with the rest of the squad, which included the French, Ivorians and Serb Branislav Ivanovic, who were back last Thursday after their early World Cup elimination.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a young side for our first two pre-season friendlies, with John Mikel Obi, Michael Essien and Daniel Sturridge our only regular first team outfield players on show, but our English and Portuguese internationals now return to the group, despite only arriving back at Cobham from their holidays on Monday.

That means likely starts against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday for Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.

They will also be joined in the travelling party by Yossi Benayoun, who has recovered sufficiently from a groin problem to be available for selection, and Didier Drogba, who had hernia surgery last week. Four players, however, will remain in England.

'We will keep here Cech, Alex, Bosingwa and Deco because they need to work on their fitness,' explained Ancelotti. 'The other players are in good condition, and for the first game the players back from the World Cup can play for 45 minutes.

'The English and the Portuguese came back good and are doing well, but they are not in the best condition because it is very soon.'

With only a short time in which to prepare his side for our first competitive fixture of the season, in the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley on August 8, Ancelotti recognizes the importance of getting the group together for a few days.

'Now we are very close to the first appointment of the season against Manchester United and want to use these games to improve condition more, and I think we will be ready for that first game at Wembley,' he said.

'We decided to do this trip to Germany because we didn't have the players for a long time, so it is better to stay in Europe for a friendly game, and I think it is a good decision instead of going on a long tour.'

Carlo Ancelotti Claims Manchester City-Bound Mario Balotelli Was Never An Option

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti admits Manchester City-bound Mario Balotelli was not part of his transfer plans this summer.

Balotelli, who is just hours away from completing his move from Inter to the Citizens, was linked with the Blues, but Ancelotti has offered a different view.

Asked by La Stampa whether the Italian was close to Chelsea at some point, Ancelotti said: "This doesn't result with me.

"City have spent the most in Europe and they will be fighting for the title. Mario is a crazy talent, but the Premier League is ideal for him.

"He will find Roberto Mancini, the coach that launched him in Serie A."

Ancelotti was asked what his aims are with Chelsea, and all eyes are on the Champions League.

"My first impact with Chelsea was winning the league, the FA Cup and Community Shield. I am missing the Champions League - that is my dream," he concluded.

Mourinho Keen To Sign Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho

Jose Mourinho has publicly stated his admiration for Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho and indicated that he would like to sign the 32-year-old for Real Madrid.

Mourinho brought centre-back Carvalho to Stamford Bridge in 2004 and the Portuguese defender has been a mainstay of the Chelsea back four ever since.

However, there has been growing speculation that Carvalho could be set to join hid old mentor Mourinho at Real Madrid, especially with Chelsea having to comply with new Premier League rules to name a squad of only 25 players, meaning some will probably have to be sold.

Carvalho placed himself at the top of the list for a Chelsea exit, recently stating that he would go "swimming or running" to have the chance to move to the Bernabeau.

Now Mourinho has indicated that the enthusiasm for a deal is mutual. He told Spanish TV station TV1, "I always said that Carvalho is one of the best in the world."

When questioned about Carvalho's advancing years, Mourinho commented, "He is in the period of his greatest maturity."

On the prospects of Carvalho moving to Real Madrid, Mourinho did little to rule it out and coyly remarked, "We'll see what happens."

Blues Deny Mancienne Talk

Chelsea have denied reports that England Under-21 international defender Michael Mancienne has handed in a transfer request.

It looked as though the talented young centre-back was ready to call time on his career at Stamford Bridge after five years with the club.

Mancienne has started just two Premier League games for the Blues in his time in West London and has spent significant spells on loan with QPR and Wolves in the past four seasons.

Molineux boss Mick McCarthy has refused to rule out a move for the 22-year-old earlier in the day amid reports that he was on the market.

But a Blues spokesman confirmed to Sky Sports News that Mancienne has not asked to leave Chelsea this summer.

The defender could be more heavily involved in Carlo Ancelotti's plans this season due to the introduction of new squad rules for all Premier League clubs.

Each side must name a 25-man squad on 1st September, of whom eight have to be 'home-grown' criteria, which Mancienne would meet.

He has found first-team opportunities hard to come by with John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Neymar Has No Reason To Leave Brazil - Father

Talented Brazilian youngster Neymar could snub Premier League champions Chelsea and remain with Santos beyond the summer, his father has claimed.

Neymar da Silva Santos has expressed his delight at his son eventually getting a call-up to the Brazilian national team for their upcoming friendly against the USA next month and has stated that the 18-year-old now has no reason to leave the country for England.

Chelsea had made a £20 million bid for the 18-year-old earlier this month but Santos officially rejected that offer. Neymar's father had expressed his anger at the Brazilian giants for not consulting him before making their decision, but it now appears that he would be happy to see his son remain in Brazil.

"His dream was to reach the Selecao playing for Santos," Neymar's father told TV Record Litoral. "This goal has been achieved. Therefore, I don't think there's a reason to think about leaving the country. That's why we will do everything we can for him to stay."

This is the first time that Neymar has been called to the senior side and Da Silva Santos explained just what it meant for his entire family.

"I didn't have the time to watch the squad announcement and because Neymar was training, we couldn't follow it together. But it was a day of great happiness. When I arrived home, the whole family celebrated.

"It's a shame that in that moment [before the World Cup] it was hard for him to be called-up, because of the previous coach [Dunga]. But today there's a renovation and this creates an expectation for the new players."

Carlo Ancelotti Hoping To Tie Up £17 Million Signing Of Benfica Midfielder Ramires Before Starting Pre-Season Tour Of Germany

Chelsea are keen to finalise their £17 million move for Benfica midfielder Ramires before leaving for the pre-season tour of Germany.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will depart on Saturday and the Italian hopes that the Brazil international will join the team on the trip, according to the Daily Star.

However, the Portuguese club is reluctant to give up their midfield star, and the Blues could have to wait before they complete the signing of the Brazilian World Cup star.

Chelsea, who won the Premier League and FA Cup last season, have made just one signing this summer, bringing Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun to Stamford Bridge for just £5 million.

After letting Michael Ballack and Joe Cole leave the club this summer, Chelsea sees Ramires as an ideal replacement in the midfield.

The Blues are also interested in Benfica defender David Luiz, but the Portuguese club rejected Chelsea’s initial bid of £25 million for the centre-back.

Kakuta On Reaching The Final!

Despite conceding an early goal, France U-19 managed to defeat the courageous Croatian team and book the place in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Final where they will meet Spain.

Exceptionally happy with that is Gaël Kakuta, who scored and equaliser, but is the one to be blamed for Croats taking the lead inside 4 minutes of the game.

Speaking afterwards Kakuta remarked,

'[I was scared] a little as it is because of me we conceded that goal. I miscontrolled the ball, and after that came a foul and the goal. We put pressure on our own shoulders by conceding early.'

The winning goal for France came courtesy of substitute Cédric Bakambu. The Sochaux player came off the bench in place of Yannis Tafer.

Here's what Kakuta had to say on both lads and atmosphere in French camp.

'Cédric did not give up. He scored his two goals in the first match but none in the second nor against England. He kept his chin up and continued working hard in training. This time he came on and scored so it all paid off. He and Yannis are two different styles of player. Cédric lays off the ball and goes while Yannis keeps it and looks for a one-two. [I get on well] with both of them. This is a very good group; everyone has fun with each other. A nice chemistry is born off the pitch and that makes things easy on it.'

Friday's Final brings chance to revenge for French, who were beaten by Spain in 2008 Under-17 Final. Many of those who experienced 4:0 trashing are now in U-19 team, prompting Kakuta to remark,

'Spain are not our old friends, they are our enemies. Two years ago they trashed us 4-0 so it will be a good revenge for us. They take good care of the ball and are very patient. We will try to work on that. It will be a good match. After what they did to us two years ago, everybody is looking forward to it.'

Where Is Slobodan Rajkovic

After scanning through the forums earlier, I came across a thread created by ThatShevchenkoGoal relating to our 21-year-old Centre Back.

After 3 seasons on loan and two Dutch Eredivisie titles under his belt, he's clearly ready for more challenges.

He's never made a first team appearance yet and with his old team mate Miroslav Stoch moving on to the Turkish league with Fenerbahce, he's perhaps tempted to be looking at another move away from Chelsea either on loan or permanently.

The question is though, where is he at the moment?

His loan contract was supposed to end in June and as he was not selected for the WC squad where has he gone?

Tipped as an upcoming strong center-back to partner John Terry once he returned to Chelsea, he now appears to be in a sort of limbo.

The question wasn't answered in the forum and as not all of our members check them regularly I thought I'd pose it on the front page.

Anelka: We Want Wins

Preparing for our five-day trip to Germany, Nicolas Anelka admits it is a pleasant change not to be away on tour for a fortnight.

The World Cup and the subsequent holidays of our involved players meant a lengthy trip overseas, as has become the norm in recent seasons, was not possible this time around, but instead the Frenchman will be joining his team-mates for a pair of friendlies, against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday and Hamburg on Wednesday.

'In my career tours have been a regular thing, going away, with Chelsea we have been to China and America, and with other clubs to Korea, Austria, Spain,' recalled the 31-year-old. 'I prefer to stay here at the training ground for longer, to train and go home.

'When you have kids and a family you want to see them, and it is great to be back in training and at the same time to be able to come home, like you are already in the season, but it will be good to be away together as a team for a few days, and I hope we can go there and come back with good results.'

It is a common belief that results do not matter in pre-season games, that building fitness is the only factor worth noting. But for Anelka, winning these matches ranks just as highly on the agenda.

'We have two games in Germany, so we play them and we want to win them, that's the most important thing. It is good to start in that way before the season, we have a good team and when you play for Chelsea you have to win all your games, so we will go there and try to come back with good results,' he explained.

'Training so far has been good and I feel fit, we worked very hard and it will be harder and harder until the beginning of the season.

'After a few days you want to be out playing matches again,' explained the forward, who reported back on July 22. 'I like my football so when I come back, I can't wait to be on the pitch and playing.

'I have been playing for so long and I still want to play and win every game. When you have this kind of mentality and play at this kind of club you want to play, enjoy your football and win your games.

'When we are back from Germany, we have the Community Shield which is a big game, but for the players the most important is to be fit for the first league game against West Bromwich Albion.'

There are just over two weeks until Roberto Di Matteo brings his newly promoted Baggies to Stamford Bridge for our Barclays Premier League curtain-raiser. Chelsea fans, like Anelka, will be hoping we enter that game with a series of wins already achieved.

Bridging The Generation Gap

The pre-season is traditionally a time when you see experienced first teamers playing alongside young, hopeful products of the Academy. The games at Crystal Palace and in Amsterdam bore witness to this.

But what about the interaction between the established and the upcoming throughout the rest of the year? It is a carefully considered area of player development at Chelsea, down to the careful logging of every training session an Academy player enjoys with Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

As Chelsea teenagers continue to make news on the international stage with Gael Kakuta tomorrow playing in the European Under 19s Championship Final, following on from Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah winning the Under 17 equivalent with England, and Jeffrey Bruma's call up by Holland, the Official Chelsea Website asked Academy manager Neil Bath (pictured below right) for an overview of how the relationship between his players and the first team set up works:

The Academy building is located just a short walk away from the first team headquarters but for a young player at Chelsea in 2010, how much interaction will he have with those over there?

'First of all, the interaction between the Academy and first-team staff is closer than it has ever been since I have been at the club. That is nothing against previous management, we just made a real conscious effort from the start with Carlo [Ancelotti] to come up with a one-club coaching program. That was the best way to start and we were working with [sporting director] Frank Arnesen's role between the two areas and that helps support it.

'Then in the last year we have had more players from the youth set up training on a daily basis with the first team than we have ever had. There is close working going on there.

'In terms of interacting with the first team, we believe that in the first two years - the Under 16s and Under 17s - interaction should be mostly for football reasons. They meet on the pitch. Occasionally we will have lunch over in the first-team building but the boys are reporting to the Academy, doing duties in the Academy and having lunch and breakfast together in the Academy.

'If some of them progress quicker and actually starts playing for the first team then that might change. But even Under 17s and Under 18s who are in the reserves will stay in the Academy building.

'Although that may not look like we are encouraging interaction, we want to encourage interaction for the right reasons. We have tried things like cleaning boots with the first team players but whatever way we looked into it, the logistics were difficult, particularly when we have programs just after lunch that are about doing more technical work with the players. We felt we can't let boot cleaning get in the way of the technical program.

'We do create a culture in the Academy building that the boys are responsible for some of the cleaning and tidying as part of their education and there is a lot we share with the first team set up.

'We are continually looking at each other's IT and video analysis systems and some of the development staff, including [assistant first team coach] Paul Clement and [first team fitness coach] Glen Driscoll have all been Academy people who have gone across. So there is a lot of interaction but we are conscious of holding the boys back a little bit from the first team set up, so they don't think they have made it too soon.

'It's about getting the balance right. The boys understand that and I feel in many ways they prefer that. They think that when I am a bit older - 19 or 20 - and I am training a bit more with the first team then I can mix socially.'

Might the increase in youth players training with the first team be down to improved quality as well as the club's policy to improve interaction?

'We said we would reorganise the Academy five or six years ago and it would take 10 years to really get it going. Six years in the standard has improved. We have invested in the whole Academy system - players, staff and resources - and therefore the standards have gone up.

'We have more Academy players playing internationally than we have ever had and more players training with the first team on a daily basis, so the standard has gone up.

'Two years ago we lost the Youth Cup Final, this year we won it. In our younger age groups, this year we won four tournaments in Europe. Five year ago I can't remember us winning any tournaments in Europe.'

If a young player wanted to seek advice from a first teamer who plays in his position, would that be possible?

'It is. Rather than myself going directly to players, we would use the relationship we have with Ray Wilkins and Clem and they will control that. Otherwise it can be chaos. If you ask a player to speak to a younger player, the support is first class. At the same time we need to respect their position. Without us needing to set up formal meetings, because the boys are training with them it is happening naturally.'

Do you notice effects from training with the first team, such as improvement in confidence and self-esteem?

'Definitely. The players notice the difference as well, and it is obviously the speed of the game. Mentally you have to be sharper and when they come back to the Academy, that is when they notice it. They have had say 10 sessions there and come back finding it a little bit easier here. That is when we realise they are moving on and pulling away from others. You see some go across and struggle and you see others and you think wow, he can play with good players.'

How encouraging was it to hear Carlo Ancelotti talk at the end of last season about Academy players joining his squad full time for this season?

'We talk about winning youth tournaments as progress and getting debuts and appearances, and getting lads out on loan, but ultimately it is all about getting players into the first team squad. When Carlo says maybe five lads in you start thinking okay, this year is really starting to show a light at the end of the tunnel because it has been difficult. We are getting there but we are still a way off.'

Ancelotti Has Cash To Spend

Chelsea has confirmed that boss Carlo Ancelotti will be handed more transfer funds if the Italian coach asks for them.

Ancelotti has so far made just one major summer signing with the acquisition of Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool for £5million.

The Israel captain's pre-season progress has been hampered by a slight groin problem but he is expected to be included on the club's forthcoming tour of Germany.

The club have also lost defender Alex and goalkeeper Petr Cech through injury and chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has confirmed that funds will be made available to Ancelotti should the Chelsea boss require them.

"If Carlo wants to bring a player or two into the squad then we will look at that," Gourlay told Sky Sports News.

"It has to be the right player to fit into the squad and obviously at the right price.

"If these things all come together then fine, we'll strengthen the squad. But only if Carlo feels it's necessary."

Meanwhile, Gourlay has made it clear that striker Didier Drogba, back at the club's training ground after groin surgery, is not for sale.

The Ivory Coast forward had been linked with a move to Manchester City by the player's agent but Gourlay said: "Didier will be a Chelsea player next year. Didier is under contract.

"The thing about this time of year is we always get (this). For our players to be in the news - it's normal.

"But Didier Drogba will be a Chelsea player next year."

Deco's future also continues to be the subject of continued speculation with Fluminese rumoured to be ready to land the Portugal midfielder.

But the player was undergoing double training sessions at Cobham on Wednesday. It is understood he wants to return to his native Brazil to be with his ill son.

Benfica Demand £33m For Chelsea Target David Luiz

Benfica have demanded £33m for top Chelsea defensive target David Luiz, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Chelsea, who are set to sign Benfica midfielder Ramires in a £20m deal, have now been told to up their offer of £27m for the star defender.

Luiz, who received his first call-up to the senior Brazil team yesterday, is one of Europe's most highly rated youngsters and has also been targeted by big spenders Manchester City.

Whether Roman Abramovich will stump up the necessary cash to keep Luiz out of City's clutches remains to be seen, but it is also understood that Real Madrid are interested in the Brazilian.

Chelsea, who is without the injured Alex, could find themselves short in numbers if their bid from Luiz is unsuccessful.

But manager Carlo Ancelotti will be buoyed by the news that Ramires has finally returned from Portugal, in order to put the finishing touches to his move to Stamford Bridge - meaning the deal could be tied up within the next few days.

Feyenoord Loan Move For Franco Di Santo Fails Over Chelsea Wage Demands

Feyenoord technical director Leo Beenhakker has confirmed a loan move for striker Franco Di Santo has been cancelled after Chelsea demanded a wage contribution.

Di Santo, 21, had been lined up by the Eredivisie side to bolster their attacking options for the season ahead. Negotiations had begun to allow the Argentine to follow his spell at Blackburn Rovers with another temporary switch.

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Beenhakker stated Feyenoord had moved on to other targets as they couldn't afford to contribute to Di Santo's wages.

"Chelsea requires a contribution towards the salary of Di Santo and we can not afford that," Beenhakker revealed.

"I do have more irons in the fire, though no guarantees. I'll keep searching for a striker."

Sporting CP Look To Sign Chelsea Defender Michael Mancienne

Sporting CP are one of a clutch of foreign teams eager to snap up Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, according to The Mirror.

Mancienne, 22, is believed to have handed in a transfer request after spending the last two seasons on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manager Mick McCarthy was reported to be keen to make the deal permanent for £4 million, but will now face competition from Malaga, Sevilla and Sporting to secure the player.

It is not yet known if Chelsea will sanction his sale as Ricardo Carvalho has stated his desire to move to Real Madrid. If a replacement cannot be found, Mancienne could be forced to stay at Stamford Bridge next season.

Chelsea's Jack Cork To Sign On Loan

Swansea City have been linked with a season-long loan move for Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork.

It hasn't taken long for the media to link Brendan Rodgers with one of his former colleagues at Chelsea.

The Swans boss worked with Jack Cork whilst he was Youth Team Manager at Stamford Bridge, and the Mirror believe that Rodgers will team up with him again next season.

The 21 year-old has had a number of loan spells at various clubs including Bournemouth, Scunthorpe, Southampton, Watford and Coventry. Last season, he spent the final few months on loan at Burnley.

Cork is a versatile player who is comfortable both in defence and midfield.

Jack's father Alan, former manager of Swansea City, says his son is willing to leave Chelsea for a lower-League club.

Alan Cork said in May:

"I think he’s pretty much realized now that it’s not going to happen for him at Chelsea,"

"He has been there since he was seven but they’ve got about 40 players, and they have just won the Youth Cup so they have a lot of good young players.

"They have Ryan Bertrand who has been out on loan at Reading, Scott Sinclair at Wigan and Michael Mancienne at Wolves.

"If eight or nine of them go back at once they’re not all going to get a game.

"Jack has got two years left on his contract at Chelsea, so it’s all down to what they want to do.

"I think Coventry put a bid in for him previously but they turned it down.

"He’ll go back to speak to Chelsea and Frank Arnesen on Monday or Tuesday and find out what their plans are.

"He has played in a few teams that have been struggling now and I think he would just like to be in a team that is winning more games.

"He would go anywhere.

"I don’t think dropping down to the Championship would worry him.

"It’s been disappointing for Jack that Burnley has been relegated but personally it has gone well for him.

"He has enjoyed it there."

Kakuta On Target And Into Under-19 Finals

Gael Kakuta and France will contest Friday's European Under 19 Championship Final. The Chelsea midfielder netted for the second time in the tournament as Croatia were beaten 2-1 on Tuesday evening.

Kakuta, behind much that has been good from an impressive French side in this tournament, found it hard to make inroads in the early stages of the match in Caen and indeed it was Croatia who took the lead after just three minutes. A well-directed free-kick was headed in by Arijan Ademi.

A good start by the newcomers to these Finals gave way to plenty of possession by France who hit the post through Gilles Sunu.

Then on 38 minutes Kakuta equalised when his own ball wide was turned back his way by an ill-judged Croatian header and he finished unerringly inside the box with his left foot. It was the first time Matej Delac had been beaten in three matches.

Now Kakuta began to show good touches but Delac wasn't tested until five minutes into the second half when the keeper who will move to Chelsea next season saved a low free-kick.

In the 77th minute he produced a very good save to keep out Alexandre Lacazette but could do nothing about substitute Cedric Bakambu's perfectly-placed 80th minute winner.

In Tuesday's other semi final, Jacob Mellis played the first 59 minutes of England's exit to Spain.

There can be few complaints from the England side who were second best for much of the game and conceded three quality goals, although Noel Blake's side scored an excellent one themselves to make it 2-1, Tottenham's John Bostock volleying in from distance.

Mellis could have headed an opener in the first minute of the 3-1 defeat but the keeper made a fine save and the Chelsea midfielder had an early shot fly over. He was replaced in the second half by Sunderland's Ryan Noble.

So there is to be no Under 19 rematch of this summer's Under 17 Final between England and Spain.

Instead host nation France take on the Spanish in a repeat of the 2008 European Under 17 Final that was contested by many of the same players that will be in action on Friday. That match was won by Spain.

Mauri Joins Coaching Team

Chelsea Football Club welcomes Giovanni Mauri as an addition to our first-team technical staff.

A fitness coach, the Italian has previously worked with Carlo Ancelotti at two Serie A clubs and has also coached with teams in Switzerland. He will augment Chelsea's existing staff.

'Giovanni worked for me for two years at Parma and eight years at Milan,' explains Ancelotti, 'and he has a lot of experience because he hasn't worked just with football teams, he has also worked with cycling teams.

'He has very important experience and he will be a support to [first-team fitness coach] Glen Driscoll and [head of sports science] Nick Broad in the physical training.'

Mauri brings with him 25 years' worth of experience of working in professional sport.

Italian Style Meets English Champions

Chelsea Football Club are delighted to announce a three-year partnership with world-renowned designers Dolce&Gabbana.

The iconic Italian fashion house will be providing the formal club suits and create the Dolce&Gabbana Lounge in the West Stand, as well as the club's main reception.

'We are really happy about this partnership and to be able to link our name to such a prestigious club like Chelsea,' said Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

'We are big football fans, for us it means healthy competition, intense passion and great discipline.

'Football players are style icons both on and off the pitch and, on top of this, there is our love of England and of London, which have always been a source of inspiration for our work.'

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay added: 'We are delighted Dolce&Gabbana will be our official supplier of formal wear for the next three years.

'Their designs for this season's team wear are exceptional and we're excited to be partnering with such a world-renowned and innovative design house.

'In addition to dressing the team, Dolce&Gabbana's comprehensive redesign of the club's Directors' Lounge and other key areas of the stadium will also serve to showcase our relationship over the next few seasons.'

The official club suits commanded the greatest attention to detail. They use the colour blue, which is also the colour for the exclusive Dolce&Gabbana logo on the tag found on the clothes, which would usually be white.

Two outfits were created for the players. A dark blue three-piece suit includes a two-button jacket with the lion rampant reguardant crest embroidered on the pocket. This is matched with a blue shirt, a dark blue jacquard tie, black shoes and belt.

The second outfit is a pair of jeans, worn with a Martini shirt and black trainers. A black wool coat completes their wardrobe.

Both players and staff will also be provided with a blue leather trolley bag with a metal Dolce&Gabbana tag.

The Directors' Lounge will be an exclusive space where guests will be able to experience unique matchday hospitality typical of the Dolce&Gabbana style.

The design concept of the space, conceived according to the purest Dolce&Gabbana style, is characterised by brand new materials and details. Walls, furniture and small details have all been created in blue which is in contrast to the steel of the chairs and sofa, to the oak floors and to the gold and silver of the frames.

Dolce&Gabbana will also redesign a number of areas at Stamford Bridge including the main reception of the club and the Millennium Suites corridor.

Chelsea Aim For Full-Strength Selection

Assistant manager Ray Wilkins believes every fit member of Chelsea's first-team squad will be ready to play in the first game of the new Premier League season.

The reigning champions begin their title defence at home to West Bromwich Albion on August 14 and manager Carlo Ancelotti will be able to call on a full-strength squad.

Unlike title rivals Manchester United, who have already confirmed that players who competed in the World Cup will miss the opening weeks of the season, Wilkins claims every fit member of the squad will be available for selection.

"Things are going great, the lads have come back in reasonably good condition and that's the modern day professional, they work extremely hard to keep themselves in good shape," he told the official website.

"It's far easier to retain fitness than it is to regain it, so the lads have taken that on board and they look very good indeed.

"It is good to have the whole group back together. It has been rather patchy over the first couple of weeks but the first boys that came in worked so hard and the younger boys did well, and now it's good to have the senior boys back.

"Them having the World Cup makes it a tad harder on the physical aspect. We can't do some of the work with the lads that are just back because it is too physical for them, but our aim is to get everybody ready for that first league game of the season.

"If we can do that then we'll have achieved our goal."